Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (2)
$999.99
Guitar Center
3.5 (2)
$999.99
Amazon
$1,099.99
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$899.99 New
$699.99 Used

Average Price: $943

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

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Standard

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Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Bass Pj V 5-String". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Meet the Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Bass PJ V 5-String Metallic Black, a fusion of classic design and modern innovation. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Charvel San Dimas basses of the late 1970s, this instrument features a sleek alder body and a deep cutaway for effortless access to the upper register, perfect for the adventurous bassist.

The Pro-Mod San Dimas Bass PJ V comes equipped with a super-thin, bolt-on caramelized maple speed neck for fast and smooth playing. This neck is reinforced with graphite and features a heel-mount truss rod wheel for easy adjustment. The 12"-16" compound radius caramelized maple fingerboard gradually flattens from nut to heel, and also includes rolled edges, 20 jumbo frets, and Luminlay side dots.

The true highlight of this 5-string bass is the dynamic blend of pickups. The DiMarzio Area J DP551 at the bridge offers well-rounded punch, while the Charvel 5-String Split-Coil P in the middle delivers classic warmth, kick, and clear tone. The onboard electronics include a 3-band active EQ, pickup blend control, and a master volume control with push/pull selector, providing a wealth of tonal possibilities.

Key Features:

  • Alder body with a sleek, metallic black finish
  • Super-thin bolt-on caramelized maple speed neck with graphite reinforcement
  • 12"-16" compound radius caramelized maple fingerboard with Luminlay side dots
  • DiMarzio Area J DP551 and Charvel 5-String Split-Coil P pickups
  • 3-band active EQ, pickup blend control, and master volume control with push/pull selector
  • Charvel HiMass bridge for improved note punch and sustain
  • Open-gear tuners for reliable tuning stability
  • Thumb wheel truss rod adjustment
  • GraphTech TUSQ XL nut to prevent string binding

Product specs

Brand Charvel
Model Pro-Mod San Dimas Bass PJ V
Finish Metallic Black, Platinum Pearl
Year 2022 - 2025
Categories 5- and 6-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Material Alder
Body Shape P-Style
Color Family Black, White
Finish Style Metallic
Fretboard Material Maple
Fretboard Radius 12", 16"
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 5-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration Split-Coil / S
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What kind of pickups does the Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Bass PJ V have?

The Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Bass PJ V features passive pickups with a split-coil and single-coil configuration, providing a versatile range of tones suitable for various music styles.

Is the Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Bass PJ V suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Bass PJ V is designed with high-performance features, making it suitable for advanced players seeking a versatile and reliable 5-string bass guitar.

What is the neck profile of the Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Bass PJ V?

The Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Bass PJ V has a fast-playing maple neck with a compound radius fretboard (12" to 16"), providing smooth playability and comfort across the entire neck.

Does the Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Bass PJ V have an active preamp?

Yes, the Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Bass PJ V includes an active preamp, allowing for enhanced tonal control and dynamic sound shaping.

How does the Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Bass PJ V perform for metal music?

The Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Bass PJ V, with its powerful pickups and active preamp, delivers punchy and articulate tones, making it well-suited for metal and other aggressive music styles.

charvelusa

charvelusa

Charvel® Pro-Mod San Dimas® PJ IV & V Bass

Video thumbnail for Charvel® Pro-Mod San Dimas® PJ IV & V Bass by charvelusa

Charvel® Pro-Mod San Dimas® PJ IV & V Bass

charvelusa

charvelusa

Video thumbnail for Elevate Your Bass Game with the Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Bass PJ V 5-String by Music for Miles

Elevate Your Bass Game with the Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Bass PJ V 5-String

Music for Miles

Music for Miles

Reviews

PROS

  • DiMarzio and Charvel pickups offer versatile, warm tones

  • Neck is fast and comparable to fretless Ibanez models

  • Roasted maple neck provides smooth playability and durability

  • Glowing fret markers enhance performance in low-light settings

  • PJ configuration delivers powerful and diverse sound

  • Truss rod wheel makes adjustments convenient and easy

  • Preamp quality exceeds expectations for many users

  • Well-balanced design enhances comfort during play

  • Competitive alternative to high-end custom basses

CONS

  • Noticeable volume drop when switched to passive mode

  • Limited mid frequency options in the preamp

  • Lacks tone control in passive mode

  • Can feel heavy during extended use

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Bass Pj V 5-String.

Build quality

  • The neck is praised for its smoothness and ease of play, being slightly thinner than a Jazz Bass neck and lacking a clear coat that might slow down playability.

    Source
  • The split coil pickup is reversed to enhance articulation in lower range notes and add fatness to upper range notes.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The bass includes a passive mode, which disables all tone controls and leaves only volume and blend active, providing a simpler tonal option.

    Source
  • The Charvel Pro Mod San Dimas PJ V features luminlay side dots for better visibility on dark stages.

    Source
  • The Ibanez SR series is noted for its kill switch, allowing only volume and pickup blend to be active, with flexible EQ capabilities.

    Source
  • Yamaha TRBX505 and TRBX605 models are praised for maintaining functionality in passive mode even with a dead battery, offering significant tone-shaping options.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners describe it as a hot-rodded version of the Fender Deluxe Active P Bass, with standout features like the Dimarzio pickups providing a distinct bite.

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  • Owners compare it favorably to MIM Fenders, indicating superior build quality and features at a similar price point.

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  • The Lakland Skyline 55-60 is highlighted as a fully passive alternative with a volume/volume/tone setup, appreciated for its tone and feel.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users find the active mode EQ aggressive, suggesting the passive mode with primarily P pickups for a fuller tone reminiscent of a traditional P bass.

    Source
  • Despite concerns about 5-string P basses losing their 'magic,' owners affirm the low B string on this model sounds robust and satisfying.

    Source
  • Owners mention the simplicity and reliability of passive basses, eliminating the need for constant battery replacements compared to active models.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • It's suggested that the preamp can be bypassed or rewired for a passive tone control, involving minimal changes like one or two wires and a resistor.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Priced around the MIM Fender range, it is perceived to offer significantly better value and performance.

    Source

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